GFWC Book Lovers Study Club celebrated the “Indispensable Nurse” as its everyday hero spotlight at its March meeting.

Vickey Cook, director of case management at Helen Keller Hospital and nurse with 30 years service, presented the program, which focused on original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage.

The difference is, with the original Medicare, you choose your own providers, whereas Medicare Advantage is a predetermined network.

Because original Medicare is managed by the federal government, the benefits are the same for every person enrolled. There are no pre-existing condition limitations or waiting periods. Part A covers inpatient care for people admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing home. Part B pays for outpatient expenses, such as doctor visits, X-rays and lab tests. It also covers medical equipment.

There is no coverage for prescription drugs, but you can enroll in a private Part D plan.

The Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C is similar to group health insurance that is earned during your working years. Medicare pays the insurance company to administer Part A and B benefits through the Medicare Advantage plan.

The most common types of Medicare Advantage Plans are health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, and preferred organizations, or PPOs. Both these plans provide Part D prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare Advantage plan offers the same benefits you get under the original Medicare but might offer coverage like routine vision and dental care. Some provide wellness programs, gym membership discounts and 24-hour nurse hotlines.

Which coverage is the best for you? Vickey said it’s difficult to give a snapshot of your costs with Medicare Advantage because each company offers a plan you can choose what to charge for premiums, deductibles and co-payment accounts. She recommended visiting a reputable Medicare insurance broker like Boomer Benefits to see what plans are available. This way you can compare costs and benefits to see which option is best for you.

Ms. Cook was presented two goodie bags for her continued services in the medical profession.

The Institute was presented by Anna Carol Porter on National Arbor Day and the importance of planting trees to improve the environment.

The meeting was held at the beautiful home of Brenda Oliver. Members were served delicious refreshments in the formal dining room.

Project for this meeting was donations to the Andrea’s Arbor, or Cramer Children’s Center. Observations included Read Across America; Women’s History Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Consumer Protection Week; and Save Your Vision Month.

Brenda, president, gave a brief report on the GFWC Alabama North District meeting. GFWC Book Lovers Study Club received awards for Arts & Culture; Education and Libraries; Civic Engagement; Environment; Domestic Violence; Fundraiser; Legislation/Public Policy; Communications; President’s Project; Membership; and Women’s History.

The business session included members’ approval of placing an ad in the 2023 GFWC Alabama Convention Program.

Joshlyn Bowen, fundraiser chairperson, reported more than $950 in items had been collected for the Mother’s Day Basket, which will be given away May 1.  Members are selling donations for $20. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and various community projects.